Russia’s new Minister of Defense, Andrei Belousov, has assumed the leadership of the “Wagner” private military company (PMC), according to investigative center “Dosie.” Belousov, who previously served as the deputy prime minister and chief of staff to President Vladimir Putin, held secretive meetings with his entourage, reminiscent of clandestine gatherings in a tea room. Internal communications leaked to “Dosie” confirmed the existence of these meetings, although specific details regarding their frequency and timing remain undisclosed. Belousov’s involvement with the PMC dates back to 2018 when he conducted an analysis of the PMC’s activities, which allegedly aimed to expand Russia’s espionage capabilities and undermine its American and British adversaries. Belousov assumed his position as Minister of Defense on May 14, replacing Sergei Shoigu, who was appointed head of the Russian Federal Emergency Management Agency by order of President Putin.